SUPPORTERS of And-over's popular WI market have hit out at Test Valley Borough Council as the weekly event in the Guildhall makes way for the borough open arts festival for three weeks in June.

But the borough council says although the clash is unfortunate the council booked the venue - which forms an important part of the festival - first.

The Guildhall will be filled with various art groups on Fridays during the Test Valley Open Art 2003 event next month.

Some of the WI stalls will be able to trade outside the Guildhall in the morning, weather permitting.

In a letter to the Andover Advertiser, Bert Barlow of Winchester Road, Andover, said: "Despite a block booking which has gone on for years, the WI cake-makers, egg-providers, jam-makers, and all, will be shunted out on to the flinty forecourt come what weather may.

"Not only them. Out go all the people, mainly dear old souls, who enjoy a chat, a cup of tea or coffee and a free biscuit on a Friday morning.

"It is part of the cultural life of the town; hard work for a social event well liked and enthusiastically supported. "It was an unthinking, bad mannered, arbitrary, dunderheaded decision."

But Christine Brown, spokeswoman for Test Valley Borough Council, said: "We appreciate that the WI makes good use of the Guildhall and makes a contribution to the town. "We did write to them last year advising of dates of the festival for which we had booked the venue.

"It's unfortunate that they feel aggrieved but the open arts festival makes a big contribution not only to Andover, but also the borough.

"It's a successful event, which I'm sure they will also enjoy. The Guildhall is a public amenity for the use of all sorts of groups."